Woodstock, VT (USA)

The weather wasn't forecasted to be nice but, then again, it wasn't going to be nasty.  This gave me the idea to volunteer at the Billings Farm for their Annual Family Sheep & Wool Day.  I spent the morning working in my condo and hosting an a "condo showing" (requested by my landlord).  At 1230, I departed Hanover for Woodstock.  I encountered a lot of construction on the way (I-89, US-4) and the drive took longer than I'd hoped.  Regardless, by 1300 I was checking in at my volunteer station.  The day was overcast and cool in Woodstock so I’m sure it inspired at least a few visitors to the Upper Valley to learn more about the process that must be followed to create cozy wool clothing.  I worked at the “Carding Station”, showing families how to take recently sheared wool from course & matted to soft & smooth.  Apparently, little kids had this job in the Nineteenth Century - not an easy task!  During a break, I got to watch a border collie herd his wooly charges, visited the other six stations (skirting, washing, dying, spinning, weaving & knitting) and was rewarded with a cup of Maple ice cream.  As always, the happy faces of the kids, their parents and the staff was a welcome reminder of why I love volunteering at Billings Farm & Museum!  After getting finished (1700), I briefly considered trying to find a place to paddle but it had started sprinkling.  The cooler temps also dissuaded me - instead of doing something outside, I headed back across the Connecticut River and spent the rest of the day in my condo.  Very glad I ventured out for another volunteering session!